US Curler Rich Ruohonen Criticizes ICE Operations in Minnesota

Ruohonen spoke out against federal actions during a Winter Olympics press conference.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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American curler Rich Ruohonen, a personal injury lawyer from Bloomington, Minnesota, used a press conference at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics to criticize recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in his home state, including the shooting deaths of two individuals. Ruohonen, who is representing the US in curling, stated that "what's happening in Minnesota is wrong - there's no shades of grey" and expressed pride in representing the country while also acknowledging the difficult situation back home.

Why it matters

Ruohonen's comments add to a growing chorus of US athletes speaking out against domestic policies and actions during the Winter Olympics, following similar remarks from skier Hunter Hess. This reflects the broader political divisions in the country and the desire of some athletes to use the global platform of the Olympics to address issues they see as important.

The details

During the press conference, Ruohonen, who is set to become the oldest American to participate in the Winter Games, stated that six of his 11 teammates are from Minnesota. He praised the "love, compassion, integrity and respect for others" he has seen from people in the state, while also making clear that the US team is "playing for the people of Minnesota and the people around the country who share those same values." Ruohonen, who has represented the US at two previous world curling championships, said the Constitution protects freedoms like freedom of speech, and that the actions of federal agents in Minnesota violate those protections.

  • Ruohonen made his comments during a press conference at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

The players

Rich Ruohonen

An American curler representing the US at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Ruohonen is a personal injury lawyer from Bloomington, Minnesota and has previously represented the US at two world curling championships.

Renee Good

An individual who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Alex Pretti

An individual who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hunter Hess

A US skier who also spoke out about having "mixed emotions" about representing the country at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“What's happening in Minnesota is wrong — there's no shades of grey. It's clear.”

— Rich Ruohonen, US Curler

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now, I think. It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't.”

— Hunter Hess

“I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better.”

— Hunter Hess

The takeaway

Ruohonen's comments reflect the broader political divisions in the US and the desire of some athletes to use the global platform of the Olympics to address issues they see as important, even if it means criticizing their own government's actions. This adds to a growing trend of US Olympians speaking out on domestic policies during the Games.